f you need to take a break from the onslaught of holiday cheer, think about stopping by the Mt. Lebanon Public Library. The library has curated holiday gift book lists in the Children’s Library, the adult new book area and in the teen section. Check out the themed book display tables for winter-themed books, folk tales and fairy tales for all ages, locked room mysteries, and, in the British tradition, a fair number of Christmas-themed ghost stories.

If you are planning to take in a live holiday performance this season,  help your family get the most of the experience by checking out one of the library’s Story Orchestra series books, that feature the storylines and music of beloved holiday traditions such as The Nutcracker.

Associate library director Sharon Bruni made the rounds of the library staff and asked them for some holiday recommendations.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

This heartwarming Caldecott Honor winner about a robot that uses technology to adapt to the natural world is sure to be a read-aloud crowd pleaser for all ages. Its film adaptation by DreamWorks has meant the book is more in demand than ever.

The Hotel Balzaar (Norendy Tales) by Kate DiCamillo 

This book is the second book in the Norendy Tales trilogy and the sequel to the Puppets of Spelhorst. These magical books are linked together by a common setting and unique style of storytelling of mesmerizing interlocking tales. The Hotel Balzaar promises to shine with its positive message of hope and light.

Winter Tales by Dawn Casey

This beautifully illustrated book features a selection of international wintry folktales that can be read in one sitting or broken up for multiple nights. The tales introduce children to the rich traditions of storytelling throughout the world and provide opportunities for side explorations into the countries and cultures of the world. Children will love to spend time studying Zanna Goldhawks’s intricate and inviting color illustrations.

Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom

Little ones will get lost in this Arctic winter landscape of a book. There is so much to learn and so much to love in this Kirkus starred review picture book, from the winter habits of North American wildlife and the beauty of their winter world to learning the basics of counting along the way. Claudia McGehee’s wood block-like illustrations will enchant young ones as they linger on each page.

Solitary Read for Middle Graders

Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys

Set in England’s World War II intelligence codebreaking center, Bletchley Park, this historical adventure/mystery promises to be a read-in-one-night page turner for middle graders. Both boys and girls will follow along while 19-year-old Jakob and his younger sister Lizzie use their love of puzzles to solve the mystery of their missing mother. The intrigue and urgency of deciphering the historical German military’s enigma machine is made real through the sleuthing skills of the story’s two amateur detectives.

Ghost stories are a part of many European holiday traditions. From Krampus to Dickens the supernatural creeps into the Christmas season as much as it does at Halloween.

The Complete First Edition of the Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm Translated and Edited by Jack Zipes

Grimm’s fairy and folk tales originated as an anthology of traditional Northern European spoken stories. These stories were designed to be entertaining cautionary tales for all ages. They were in many instances grim and grisly and did not end as happily as our modern-day adaptations. The Complete First Edition of the Brothers Grimm’s tales offers many opportunities to select a family favorite and can be stretched out for as many nights as you like. Teen librarian Katie Donahoe’s favorite is the Bremen Town Musicians. This tale set in Bremen Germany features a group of resilient and quick-witted animals that work collectively to get what they want and outsmart a band of robbers. A perfect fit for fans of animal fantasy.

Chill Tidings: Dark Tales of the Christmas Season (Tales of the Weird)

This is the second new collection from the British Library’s dark Christmas stories from its Tales of the Weird series. This collection of short stories is filled with hungry ghosts and haunted festivities.

The Complete Ghost Stories of M.R. James 

These stories began as a beloved tradition when James, a Cambridge University provost, read his stories on Christmas Eve to a group of favorite students. Imagine a young M.R. James snug in a Cambridge dormitory, fire raging, candlelight shadows on the stone walls reciting his chilling stories to a captivated audience.

Frances Hardinge’s Island of Whispers is an eerie yet life-affirming book to share for families with middle graders or young teens. It has muted, subtle illustrations that reward close observation and a storyline about a compassionate young ferryman who carries ghosts to their final resting place.

White Out by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon

Six YA authors collaborate to create an authentic-feeling love story that takes place in Atlanta over the Christmas season. Expect charming snow-covered cityscapes that form a perfect background for the enchantment and magic of young love.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Register for programs by visiting the events calendar section of the library’s website.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Tail Wagging Tutors

6:30 p.m., Thursday, December 5, Meeting Room A

Sign up to read to a dog! Practice your reading skills with a very attentive listener. Dog listeners are trained by Therapy Dogs International. Registration required.

Make a Gingerbread House

6:30 p.m., Monday, December 9

Children ages 3 and up and their families are invited to decorate a festive gingerbread house, listen to stories and engage in other gingerbread fun! Bring a can of icing and any leftover Halloween candy. Registration runs November 22 to December 9.

Book Lab

6:30 p.m., Thursday, December 12, Story Room

Read a new STEAM themed book each month, then get together to experiment. Book selections will be both fiction and non-fiction. For kids in first and
second grade.

Books will be available for checkout one month before the club meets. Registration for all book clubs occurs when the book is checked out. Stop by the children’s reference desk for your copy.

Girls Night Out

7 p.m., Monday, December 16, Story Room

Read a variety of great books with your daughter, then share your thoughts and ideas in a nurturing environment. Watch your daughter grow as a reader and communicator while having fun in this lively discussion group. For girls, ages 10-13, and their moms. Registration for all clubs occurs when the book is checked out. Book club books are available at the Children’s Desk one month prior to the meeting date.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Talking Comics Book Club 

3:30 p.m., Friday, December 13

Talking Comics is a monthly graphic novel book club for middle and high school students, with an accompanying craft project. Books are available to pick up the first week of each month.

Spanish Group

7 p.m., Monday, December 16

Spanish speakers of all levels are invited to this monthly group to practice their Spanish in an informal, fun environment. No registration required.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas

7 p.m., Wednesday, December 4, Meeting Room A

This 50-minute documentary presents a delightful and informative appreciation for the most popular Christmas songs and the Jewish songwriters who wrote these classic tunes. There is more to Rudolph than his red nose. Art historian Elaine Wertheim moderates.

Creative Citizens @ MLPL

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 11

In partnership with Creative Citizen Studios, we welcome adults with developmental disabilities (caregivers welcome). Monthly workshop participants will engage with a community of teaching artists, and one another, to explore their artistic talents and creativity. No experience necessary. Space is limited. Registration required.

Trivia Quiz Night at the Library

7 p.m., Thursday, December 12

Team up in groups of up to four to compete, with MLPL Librarian Eric serving as your humble quizmaster. Don’t have a team? Don’t worry! Register and we’ll make it work! Win excellent prizes and bragging rights and enjoy some candy. Adults only. Register.

Paws to Relax

12:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, Meeting Room A

Therapy dogs, with their friendly and easygoing temperaments, provide psychological and physiological therapy by interacting with people. Ideal for seniors and adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Registration helpful for planning purposes, but not required.

Holiday Storytelling with Alan Irvine

4 p.m., Thursday, December 19

Professional storyteller Alan Irvine returns to the library for a holiday reading, featuring folk tales and literary stories from around the globe.